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There were so many ways to execute the old theme. It wasn't derivative and homogeneous like the new theme is. It's amazing how incredibly myopic Ford can be.

I often wonder about slapping the Continental name on the MKT Concept. I found that concept to be the most elegant, well-executed example of the "split-wing" theme. Imagine that on a RWD chassis with suicide doors.....

YES! Especially if there are some models with NO Ford counterpart; Conti/TransConti, MKE, STARstang, GR-1 especially if it's an anti-Corvette.

And, for added pizzaz (must sell sizzle with the steak), a limited edition of the Navigator Concept, complete with gullwing doors, extension steps and sloped roofline; sold by subscription, before production, not at dealers (like the Ford GT) at whatever price that will justify development. It will sell.

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Lincoln could get versions of the Maverick and Mach 1, not sure which one is coming by 2020 however. I certainly hope for a Mach 1 Lincoln, that's really the Tesla alternative I've been hoping for.

Some of the new SUVs may also just be versions of SUVs, like HEV and PHEV. With Aviator we probably won't get a Nautilus L, Lexus doesn't have a 3-Row Crossover so it can get away with that RX half-measure. Not sure if there is an appetite for that sort of vehicle in China but again Aviator will solve that.

It's worth pointing out that there aren't THAT many 3-Row luxury brand Crossovers. Audi Q7, Infiniti QX70, Land Rover Discovery and beyond that you're looking at more exclusive large SUVs that compete with Navigator.

...With Aviator we probably won't get a Nautilus L, Lexus doesn't have a 3-Row Crossover so it can get away with that RX half-measure. Not sure if there is an appetite for that sort of vehicle in China but again Aviator will solve that...

yeah, I had a nautiluX-L in earlier versions & took it out BUT
thinking there could still be something like a Fwd-based MKL 3-row [price-point!]...since there *IS* a 3-row CD4 Edge in China already
+ rumors of it coming here...

...It's worth pointing out that there aren't THAT many 3-Row luxury brand Crossovers. Audi Q7, Infiniti QX70, Land Rover Discovery and beyond that you're looking at more exclusive large SUVs that compete with Navigator.

Mercury C557

Re: Ford/Lincoln product forecast UPDATED
...The MKC replacement is probably going to be a 2021 MY product, the Escape is 2020. That gives the mild facelift a reason to exist, otherwise if the new car was only a MY away it would not have made financial sense. You have to remember that they never short these investments, they need to get at least 2-3 years out of a revision.

Re: Lincoln aviator teased
I know Lincoln is trying to appeal to a much older clientele so I think this is part of their effort to move Lincoln back toward familiar territory for those customers instead of trying to rub against them with strange exerpimental designs, but I'm completely bored by their visual efforts. I actually have zero interest in what the outside of the Aviator will look like because I'm sure we already know it's just going to be a Nautilus/Navigator hybrid design. But I'm very curious about what's underneath and inside.

Big CUV/SUVs right now are sharing the same space that was once only held by midsize sedans. But that trend is about to end as faster, better handling, zero emissions, charge at home, electric sedans and 5-doors hit the market...

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I think Lincoln would really do well to follow in the footsteps of Volvo and Lexus with next gen models, specifically sedans going full electric and especially with such low current volume. Currently Model S sales are double the sales of MKZ, or outsells Continental and MKZ combined.

It's interesting how previously it was hp that was the draw, then AWD, but now it's technology and the instant power/torque of an all electric powertrain, and quiet, emissions free operation, wireless charging at home so no need to plug in with Fords new inductive charging system and the highest safety crash ratings.

Just think about it...the current Continental, or a full electric, dual mode, ultra quiet, powerful, 300+ mile range rolling technology on wheels.

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Lincoln will have the Mach 1 to play with which I'm looking forward to. The sedan will be extinct within the next decade so it's not something they need to keep investing in, especially as a brand appealing to first time customers. Even the Germans know this which is why their EVs are Crossovers instead of Tesla competitors. I use to be a Tesla fan but I'm convinced it has made the wrong early bets and their cars are becoming more outdated with many missing features...but I'm glad they started things off. At this point I know I will never buy a Tesla because I already found more appealing EVs from Audi...and likely soon from Ford/Lincoln. And personally I'm really excited by what Ford might be doing with Hybrids, could be the first automaker to find an EV solution that works without any compromise.

Re: Ford/Lincoln product forecast UPDATED
I'm aware of that, but it would seem pretty hard to sell only 10% cars with a volume product like the Focus. The Mustang+Lincoln sedan would be pretty darn close already.

Flat Rock produces the Mustang and the Continental. By 2020 will produce the EV crossover, too. But the Mustang + Continental production is not in those numbers... are in the 150-170000 range. So, I think the Focus could be imported from China to complete that 10% of cars Ford plan to sell in NorthAmerica by 2020.

The Fusion, that is selling around 200000 units a year, is not an option in this scenario

It's coming......and FAST!! FordLincoln can't avoid the future.....and being late will be painful. Cars with combustion engines will quickly become like rotary dial/analog phones vs digital/smart phones.

Mercury C557

Flat Rock produces the Mustang and the Continental. By 2020 will produce the EV crossover, too. But the Mustang + Continental production is not in those numbers... are in the 150-170000 range. So, I think the Focus could be imported from China to complete that 10% of cars Ford plan to sell in NorthAmerica by 2020.

The Fusion, that is selling around 200000 units a year, is not an option in this scenario

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